Portable surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

A portable surgical instrument (PSI) includes a shaft extending therefrom. An end effector operably supported at the distal end of the shaft includes a pair of jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is activatable to treat tissue. A selectively removable generator pivotally couples to the housing to energize the activatable jaw member. The generator defining one or more apertures at a distal end thereof and a pivot member disposed at a proximal end thereof. A locking mechanism configured to operably couple to the elongated shaft of the housing includes one or more locking fingers configured to releasably couple to the one or more apertures disposed at the distal end of the generator such that generator is selectively and removably engageable with the housing of the portable surgical instrument.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.13/312,299, filed on Dec. 6, 2011, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to portable surgical instruments and,more particularly, to portable surgical instruments including agenerator configured to selectively and removably couple thereto via a“quick-release” locking mechanism of the portable surgical instrument.

2. Background of Related Art

Portable surgical instruments are known in the medical arts. Portablesurgical instruments overcome some of the drawbacks that are typicallyassociated with surgical instruments that draw power from electricaloutlets. That is, outlet driven surgical instruments utilize power cordsthat may create tripping and/or entanglement hazards in an operatingroom environment.

Typically, the portable surgical instrument includes a battery orbattery assembly that is configured to removably couple or “latch” tothe portable surgical instrument. In addition, the portable surgicalinstrument may be configured to include one or more selectivelyremovable generators that communicate with the battery assembly toprovide energy to an end-effector assembly that is associated with theportable surgical instrument. One or more suitable locking mechanismsmay be associated with the portable surgical instrument to secure thegenerator to the portable surgical instrument. For example, in oneparticular instance, a locking knob may be operably coupled to aproximal end of the portable surgical instrument and configured to screwinto the generator to secure the generator to the portable surgicalinstrument. In this instance, the locking knob may be, initially, handtightened and, subsequently, further tighten via a wrench or othersuitable device to properly secure the generator to the portablesurgical instrument.

As can be appreciated, generators that are configured to quickly andeasily couple or latch to the portable surgical instrument may proveadvantageous in the surgical environment.

SUMMARY

As can be appreciated, generators that are configured to quickly andeasily couple or latch to the portable surgical instrument may proveadvantageous in the surgical environment.

In the drawings and in the descriptions that follow, the term“proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to an end that is closer tothe user, while the term “distal” will refer to an end that is fartherfrom the user.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a portable surgical instrument. Theportable surgical instrument includes a housing including an elongatedshaft that extends distally from the housing. The elongated shaft isconfigured to pass through a cannula or body orifice and defines alongitudinal axis therethrough. An end effector operably supported atthe distal end of the elongated shaft includes a pair of jaw members.One of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other jaw memberfrom an open position for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clampingposition for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw is/areactivatable to one of electrosurgically and ultrasonically treat tissue.A selectively removable generator configured to pivotally couple to thehousing is configured to convert electrical energy into at least one ofRF and ultrasonic energy to energize the activatable jaw member. Thegenerator defining one or more apertures at a distal end thereof and apivot member disposed at a proximal end thereof. A locking mechanismconfigured to operably couple to the elongated shaft of the housingincludes one or more locking fingers configured to releasably couple tothe one or more apertures disposed at the distal end of the generatorsuch that generator is selectively and removably engageable with thehousing of the portable surgical instrument.

In certain instances, the one or more apertures may be further definedby three apertures.

In certain instances, the portable surgical instrument further includesa stationary guide finger that is configured to engage one of the threeapertures on the generator and is configured to guide the remainingaperture(s) on the generator onto the locking finger(s) on the bodyportion to facilitate moving the locking finger(s) into the firstposition.

The locking finger(s) may be further defined by two or more lockingfingers that are configured to releasably couple to two or more of theapertures. In this instance, the housing may include a pair of aperturesdefined therein that are configured to receive a respective one of thelocking fingers. Moreover, and in this instance, the locking fingers aremovable from a first position wherein the at least two locking fingersare configured to lock the generator to the housing, to a secondposition wherein the at least two locking fingers are configured torelease the generator from the housing. The locking fingers each mayinclude respective claw portions that are configured to facilitateengagement between the locking finger(s) and respective correspondingapertures on the generator.

The locking mechanism may include a body portion that is configured topivotally support the locking fingers on sidewalls thereof.

The locking fingers each may include an engagement member disposed in agenerally perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective clawportions. In this instance, the engagement members may be textured tofacilitate movement of the locking fingers from the first position tothe second position.

The locking finger(s) each may be pivotally supported on the sidewallsvia respective arcuate medial portions.

The body portion of the locking mechanism may further define a channelthat extends therethrough and is configured to receive the elongatedshaft therein to facilitate supporting the locking mechanism to theshaft.

The locking mechanism may further includes an end cap that is configuredto couple to a distal end of the housing.

The locking mechanism may be composed of two parts that are coupled toone another via a coupling method including without limitationpress-fitting, snap-fitting and ultrasonic welding.

The portable surgical instrument may be a portable ultrasonic instrumentand a portable electrosurgical instrument.

The portable surgical instrument may include a battery assembly that isconfigured to house a battery therein and configured to generateelectrical energy that is utilized by the generator to generate one ofthe RF and ultrasonic energy.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a locking mechanismconfigured for use with a portable surgical instrument. The lockingmechanism includes a body portion including an aperture definedtherethrough. The body portion is adapted to couple to a housing of theportable surgical instrument. The body portion supports one or moremovable locking fingers thereon. The one or more movable locking fingersis configured to releasably couple to one or more correspondingapertures disposed at the distal end of a generator that is adapted toselectively and removably engage the housing of the portable surgicalinstrument.

The locking finger(s) may be movable from a first position wherein thelocking finger(s) is/are configured to lock the generator to thehousing, to a second position wherein the locking finger(s) is/areconfigured to unlock the generator from the housing.

The locking finger(s) may include a claw portion that is configured tofacilitate engagement between the locking finger(s) and the aperture(s)on the generator.

A stationary guide finger may be configured to engage an aperture on thegenerator and configured to guide the aperture on the generator onto thelocking finger(s) on the body portion to facilitate moving the lockingfinger(s) into the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a side, perspective view of a battery-powered surgicalinstrument configured for use with a generator assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side, perspective view of another type of battery-poweredsurgical instrument configured for use with a generator assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom of the generatordepicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, perspective view of a locking mechanism utilizedto selectively and removably couple the generator to the battery-poweredsurgical instrument depicted in either of FIG. 1A or 1B;

FIG. 4 is a rear, perspective view of the locking mechanism depicted inFIG. 3 attached to a shaft of the battery-powered surgical instrumentdepicted in FIG. 1A with a housing thereof removed;

FIG. 5 is a partial, cut-away view taken along the line-segment “5-5” ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial, side perspective view of the battery-poweredsurgical instrument depicted in FIG. 1A with the generator attached; and

FIG. 7 is a partial, side perspective view of the battery-poweredsurgical instrument depicted in FIG. 6 with the generator and batteryassembly unattached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of thedisclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailedstructure.

A locking mechanism 26, 126 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) in accordance with thepresent disclosure is configured for use with various handheld orportable surgical instruments (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) and is configured toselectively and removably couple a removable energy source, e.g., anelectrosurgical and/or ultrasonic energy source, to the portablesurgical instrument. For illustrative purposes, the locking mechanism26, 126 is described in terms of use with an electrosurgical forceps 2and an ultrasonic instrument 102, see FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, a portable surgical instrument inthe form of a bipolar electrosurgical forceps 2 (forceps 2) that isconfigured for use with locking mechanism 26 is illustrated. Forceps 2is shown configured for use with various electrosurgical procedures andgenerally includes a housing 4, a battery assembly 18, a removablegenerator 28, a movable handle assembly 6, a rotating assembly 7, atrigger assembly 10, a drive assembly (not explicitly shown), and an endeffector assembly 12 that operatively couples to the handle assembly 6via the drive assembly for imparting movement of one or both of a pairof jaw members 14, 16 of end effector assembly 12.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 6-7, a proximal end of housing 4 isconfigured to releasably couple to an electrosurgical generator 28(generator 28) and a battery assembly 18, described in greater detailbelow. A top surface 9 of the housing 4 is configured to releasablysecure the generator 28 to the housing 4, see FIGS. 1A and 6-7. Anaperture 11 (as best seen in FIG. 7) of suitable configuration isdefined in a proximal end of the housing 4 and is configured toreleasably engage a corresponding pivot member 13 (FIG. 2) on thegenerator 28. A multi-pin port connector 21 (FIG. 7) is disposedadjacent the aperture 11 and is configured to connect to a correspondingmulti-slot array 23 (FIG. 2) on the generator 28. When connected to oneanother, the multi-pin port connector 21 and multi-slot array 23 providean electrical interface that is configured to provide electricalcommunication between the forceps 2 and the generator 28. In particular,this electrical interface provides, inter alia, electrical continuitybetween the jaw members 14 and 16 and the generator 28 such that the jawmembers 14 and 16 are capable of transmitting RF energy to tissuegrasped therebetween.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 6-7, distal end of the housing6 is configured to support and/or couple to a proximal end 20 of a shaft8. Shaft 8 extends from housing 6 and defines a longitudinal axis “A-A”therethrough (FIG. 1A). A pair of generally elongated apertures 3 a and3 b of suitable configuration is defined in respective left and rightsides at the distal end of housing 4, see FIGS. 1A and 6-7. Theapertures 3A and 3 b are configured to receive respective engagementmembers 60 a and 60 b therein, described in greater detail below.

The end effector 12 including jaw members 14 and 16 are supported at adistal end 22 of the shaft 8 (FIG. 1A). Jaw member 14 is pivotable aboutthe jaw member 16 (and/or the distal end 22 of the shaft 18) and movablerelative thereto when movable handle assembly 6 is moved proximally.More particularly, jaw member 14 is movable from an open position forpositioning tissue between the jaw members 14 and 16, to a clampingposition for grasping tissue between the jaw members 14 and 16. As notedabove, the forceps 2 is of the bipolar type. That is, each of the jawmembers 14 and 16 includes a respective seal plate 15 and 17 (FIG. 1A)that is configured to function as an active (or activatable) and/orreturn electrode. Each of the seal plates 15 and 17 is in operablecommunication with the generator 28 via one or more electrical leadsthat couple to the generator 28 and extend through the shaft 8 to theseal plates 15 and 17. In certain instances, it may prove advantageousto utilize a forceps 2 that is of a monopolar type. In this instance,one of the jaw members, e.g., jaw member 14 including seal plate 15,functions as an active electrode and a return pad (or other suitabledevice) may be utilized to function as the return electrode.

Battery assembly 18 is configured to releasably couple to the housing 4.To this end, housing 4 includes a docking portion 30 (FIGS. 1, 6 and 7)defined therein. Docking portion 30 includes an elongated member 32 (seeFIG. 7) that extends in a generally perpendicular orientation withrespect to a base member 34 and the longitudinal axis “A-A” (see FIGS.1A and 7). The elongated member 32 includes one or more apertures 36(see FIG. 7) that are configured to releasably engage one or morecorresponding protrusions 19 disposed on the battery assembly 18. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the battery assembly 18 functions asa stationary handle and provides a gripping surface for a user.

A release latch 38 (FIG. 6) is operably disposed at a distal end of thebattery assembly 18 and provides a mechanism to remove the batteryassembly 18 from the forceps 2. More particularly, the release latch 38is a “free-floating” part that is normally held in a retracted positionby the elongated member 32. In order to uncouple the battery assembly 18from the forceps 2, the release latch 38 is moved in a generally upwarddirection to a extended position that mechanically separates the batteryassembly 18 from the forceps 2. Release latch 38 includes a bottomportion 40 (FIG. 6) that is ergonomically configured to receive afinger, e.g., a thumb, of a user.

Generator 28 (FIGS. 1A, 2 and 6) operably couples to the housing 6 andmay be selectively removable therefrom (FIG. 7) either in connectionwith removal of the battery assembly 18 or independently, as describedin greater detail below. With this purpose in mind, a plurality ofapertures 58 a-58 c (FIG. 2) are disposed at a distal end of thegenerator 28 and the pivoting member 13 (FIG. 2) is disposed at aproximal end of the generator 28. Apertures 58 a-58 b are configured toreleasably couple to corresponding locking fingers 52 a and 52 bassociated with the locking mechanism 26, described in greater detailbelow. Likewise, aperture 58 c is configured to releasably engage acorresponding guide finger 52 c associated with the locking mechanism 26also described in greater detail below. Apertures 58 a-58 c are definedby respective peripheral walls 58 a′-58 c′, as best seen in FIG. 2.

Generator 28 is in operable communication with the battery assembly 18to provide electrosurgical energy at one or more suitable frequencies tothe end effector 12 including the jaw members 14 and 16 toelectrosurgically treat tissue, e.g., seal tissue. In particular,generator 28 includes electronics that converts the electrical energyfrom the battery assembly 18 into an RF energy waveform to energize oneor both of the jaw members 14 and 16. That is, the generator 28transmits the RF energy to the seal plates 15 and 17 to effect tissuetreatment.

Trigger assembly 10 (FIG. 1A) is in operable communication with a knifeor cutting assembly (not shown) including a cutting or knife blade thatis configured to cut or sever tissue grasped between the jaw members 14and 16 after tissue has been electrosurgically treated.

Rotating assembly 7 (FIG. 1A) is operable to rotate the shaft 8including the end effector 12 about the longitudinal axis in either aclockwise or counter clockwise direction.

An activation button 1 (FIGS. 1A and 6-7) is disposed on housing 4 andis in operable communication with the generator 28. In particular, theactivation button 1 is configured to selectively enable the generator 28to generate and, subsequently, transmit RF energy to the seal plates 15and 17 of the jaw members 14 and 16, respectively.

With reference now to FIG. 1B, a battery-powered surgical instrument inthe form of an ultrasonic instrument 102 that is configured for use witha locking mechanism 126 is illustrated. Instrument 102 includescomponents similar to that of forceps 2. Briefly, ultrasonic instrument102 includes a housing 104 configured to house one or more components,e.g., transducer, waveguide and electrical circuitry that is configuredfor electrical communication with a battery assembly 118 of theinstrument 102. A proximal end of housing 104 is configured toreleasably couple to an ultrasonic generator 128 and the batteryassembly 118. A distal end of the housing 104 is configured to supportand/or couple to a proximal end 120 of a shaft 108. Shaft 108 extendsfrom housing 104 and defines a longitudinal axis “B-B” therethrough(FIG. 1B). The operational parts of the end effector 112 (e.g., jawmembers 114 and 116) are movable relative to one another upon actuationof a movable handle assembly 106 coupled to housing 104. End effector112 includes jaw members 114 and 116 (FIG. 1B). In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, jaw member 116 serves as an active oroscillating blade and is configured to effect tissue. An activationbutton 110 places the instrument 102 in two modes of operation, alow-power mode of operation and a high-power mode of operation. Unlikegenerator 28, generator 128 is configured to convert the electricalenergy produced by the battery assembly 118 into ultrasonic energy. Moreparticularly, generator 128 includes a transducer (not explicitly shown)that is configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energythat produces motion at an end of a waveguide (not explicitly shown)that is in operative communication with the active jaw member 116. Whenthe transducer and waveguide are driven at their resonant frequency,they produce mechanical motion at the active jaw member 116.

Locking mechanisms 26, 126 are identical to one another and areconfigured for use with forceps 2 and instrument 102, respectively.Thus, for purposes of brevity, only the operable features of the lockingmechanism 26 are described in detail.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 3-7, locking mechanism 26 is illustrated.Locking mechanism 26 may be made from any suitable material includingmetal, ceramic, plastic, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the lockingmechanism 26 is formed from a relatively rigid plastic. Lockingmechanism 26 is formed by coupling or joining two substantiallyidentical injection molded locking mechanism half portions 26 a and 26 b(half portions 26 a and 26 b) to one another. In the illustratedembodiment, the half portions 26 a and 26 b are joined to one anothervia a press-fit, friction fit, ultrasonic welding or the like. In theillustrated embodiment, one of the half portions, half portion 26 a,includes one or more indents 48 (FIG. 5) and the other half portion,e.g., half portion 26 b, includes one or more corresponding detents (notexplicitly shown) that are configured to securely engage thecorresponding intents, see FIG. 3 in combination with FIG. 5.Alternatively, the locking mechanism 26 may be of unitary construction.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1A and 3-7, locking mechanism 26 isconfigured to selectively and removably couple the generator 28 to thehousing 4. To this end, locking mechanism 26 operably couples to theelongated shaft 8 of the housing 4 by one or more suitable couplingmethods. More particularly, the locking mechanism 26 includes a bodyportion 44 that is defined by the half portions 26 a and 26 b when thehalf portions 26 a and 26 b are in the assembled configuration, seeFIGS. 3 and 4. A channel or passageway 46 is defined through the bodyportion 44 and is configured to receive the shaft 8 therein tofacilitate supporting the locking mechanism 26 to the shaft 8 (FIGS. 4and 5). A bottom leg or support post 50 (FIG. 4) is disposed at a bottomend of the body 44 and is configured to couple to an internal frame ofthe housing 4. Bottom leg 50 is defined by bottom leg half portions 50 aand 50 b of half portions 26 a and 26 b, respectively, as best seen inFIG. 4.

Locking fingers 52 a and 52 b (FIGS. 3 and 4), are pivotally supportedon the body portion 44 and are configured to selectively and releasablycouple to corresponding apertures 58 a and 58 b (FIG. 2) disposed at thedistal end of the generator 28. In particular, in the assembledconfiguration, each half portion 26 a and 26 b functions as respectiveleft and right sidewalls for the body portion 44 and supports thelocking fingers 52 a and 52 b thereon. Locking fingers 52 a and 52 binclude respective generally arcuate medial portions 54 a (FIG. 4) and54 b (FIG. 3) that allow the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b to pivotabout the body portion 44 when the engagement members 60 a and 60 b arepressed by a user. It should be noted that the arcuate medial portions54 a and 54 b may function similar to that of what is typically referredto in the art as a “living hinge.” Locking fingers 52 a and 52 b aremovable or pivotable about the arcuate medial portions 54 a and 54 bfrom a first position wherein the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b areconfigured to lock the generator 28 to the housing 4, to a secondposition wherein the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b are configured tounlock the generator 28 from the housing 4.

To facilitate pressing the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b such that thelocking fingers 52 a and 52 b pivot about the body portion 44, eachlocking finger 52 a and 52 b includes a respective engagement member,see FIGS. 3 and 4. Each engagement member 60 a and 60 b is textured tofacilitate a user in moving the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b from thefirst position to the second position. The engagement members 60 a and60 b are disposed in a generally perpendicular orientation with respectto respective claw portions 62 a and 62 b disposed on the lockingfingers 52 a and 52 b (FIGS. 3 and 4).

Respective claw portions 62 a and 62 b are configured to facilitateengagement between the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b and the respectiveapertures 58 a and 58 b on the generator 28. In the illustratedembodiment, the claw portions 62 a and 62 b include a generally “hook”shape that facilitates maintaining the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b inan engaged configuration (e.g., in the first position) when the lockingfingers 52 a and 52 b are positioned within the apertures 58 a and 58 b.The claws 62 a and 62 b are in vertical registration with the respectiveperipheral walls 58 a′ and 58 b′ such that a portion thereof isconfigured to contact the claws 62 a and 62 b as locking fingers 52 aand 52 b are being positioned into the respective apertures 58 a and 58b.

An end cap 62 (FIGS. 1A and 3-7) is formed at a distal end of the bodyportion 44. The end cap 62 is configured to facilitate in maintainingthe generator 28 in a relatively fixed orientation when the generator 28is coupled to the housing 4. End cap 62 includes a generally flatconfiguration and engages a flat wall of the housing. In embodiments,however, end cap 62 may include a lip or flange 63 extends along anouter peripheral edge of the end cap 62. In this instance, flange 63 isconfigured to grasp or latch onto a corresponding ridge 64 (FIG. 2)located at the distal end of the generator 28, as best seen in FIG. 6.

An optional guide finger 52 c is configured to engage the aperture 58 con the generator 28 and is configured to guide the apertures 58 a and 58b on the generator 28 onto the corresponding locking fingers 52 a and 52b on the body portion 44 to facilitate moving the locking fingers 52 aand 52 b into the first position. Guide finger 52 c is configured toalign the generator 28 and locking fingers 52 a and 52 b to ensure equalengagement between both locking fingers 52 a and 52 b and apertures 58 aand 58 b; thus, the generator 28 will remain securely coupled to thehousing 6, even in instances where the generator 28 is side loaded.Moreover, the guide finger 52 c ensures that both locking fingers 52 aand 52 b engage the respective apertures 58 a and 58 b at the same time,giving a more secure-feeling “tactile click” when the generator 28 isattached to the housing 6. Further, a distal surface of the guide finger52 c acts as a cam to force the generator 28 proximally as it is rotatedinto position and clipped into place.

In the illustrated embodiment, a proximal end of the body portion 44forms a cavity 66 that is configured to receive a portion of a spring67. The spring 67 functions in cooperation with the drive assembly toreturn a blade mechanism (not explicitly shown) to its retractedposition.

In use, battery assembly 18 is, initially, in a prepackaged condition orsecured to a battery charger docking station (not shown) and unattachedto the housing 4 (FIG. 7). Similarly, the generator 28 is, initially, ina prepackaged condition or secured to a generator charger dockingstation (not shown) and unattached to the housing 4 (FIG. 7). To attachthe generator 28 to the housing 4, a user positions the pivoting member13 on the generator 28 into the aperture 11 located on the top surfaceof the housing 4. Thereafter, the user pushes the distal end of thegenerator 28 downward and toward the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b andthe guide finger 52 c. The guide finger 52 c engages the aperture 58 cto guide the apertures 58 a and 58 b onto the locking fingers 52 a and52 b. As the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b are being positioned into theapertures 58 a and 58 b, claw portions 62 a and 62 b contact therespective peripheral walls 58 a′ and 58 b′, which, in turn, bends orflexes the locking fingers 52 a and 52 b outwardly about the concavemedial portions 54 a and 54 b to the second position. The lockingfingers 52 a and 52 b continue to flex until the claws 62 a and 62 bengage an interior surface of the generator 28 at which time the lockingfingers 52 a and 52 b return to the first position. The lip 63 on theend cap 62 engages the ridge 64 to facilitate in maintain the generator28 in a relatively fixed orientation about the housing 4.

To remove the generator 28, a user pushes the engagement members 60 aand 60 b, which, in turn disengages the claws 64 a and 64 b from theinterior surface of the generator 28, while moving the generator 28 in arelatively upward direction.

The unique locking mechanism 26 of the present disclosure enables a userto quickly and easily couple and uncouple the generator 28 from thehousing 4 of the forceps 2 without the need of any additional devicesand/or mechanisms.

As can be appreciated, use of the locking mechanism 126 is substantiallysimilar to that of the locking mechanism 26 and, as a result thereof,will not be described in detail.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A locking mechanism configured for use with asurgical instrument, the locking mechanism comprising: a body portionincluding a channel defined therethrough, the body portion adapted tocouple to a housing of the surgical instrument; and at least one lockingfinger depending from the body portion, the at least one locking fingerconfigured to releasably couple to at least one aperture disposed on agenerator that is adapted to selectively and removably engage thehousing of the surgical instrument.
 22. A locking mechanism according toclaim 21, wherein the at least one locking finger is movable from afirst position wherein the at least one locking finger is configured tolock the generator to the housing, to a second position wherein the atleast one locking finger is configured allow the generator to bedisengaged from the housing.
 23. A locking mechanism according to claim21, wherein the at least one locking finger includes a claw portionconfigured to facilitate engagement between the at least one lockingfinger and the at least one aperture of the generator.
 24. A lockingmechanism according to claim 21, further comprising a guide fingerconfigured to engage a guide aperture of the generator.
 25. A lockingmechanism according to claim 24, wherein the guide finger is fixed frommovement with respect to the body portion, and wherein the at least onelocking finger is movable with respect to the body portion.
 26. Alocking mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the at least onelocking finger is further defined by at least two locking fingers, eachlocking finger of the least two locking fingers being configured toreleasably couple to an aperture of the generator.
 27. A lockingmechanism according to claim 26, wherein the body portion includes twosidewalls, and wherein each locking finger of the at least two lockingfingers is pivotally connected to one sidewall.
 28. A locking mechanismaccording to claim 23, wherein the at least one locking finger isfurther defined by at least two locking fingers and wherein each lockingfinger of the at least two locking fingers includes an engagement memberdisposed in a generally perpendicular orientation with respect to therespective claw portion.
 29. A locking mechanism according to claim 21,wherein the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of anelongated shaft of the surgical instrument therein.
 30. A lockingmechanism configured to selectively couple a generator with a surgicalinstrument, the locking mechanism comprising: a body portion adapted tocouple to the surgical instrument, the body portion including a channeldefined therethrough, the channel configured to receive at least aportion of an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument therein; and atleast one locking finger supported on the body portion, the at least onelocking finger configured to releasably couple to at least one aperturedefined within the generator.
 31. A locking mechanism according to claim30, wherein the at least one locking finger is movable from a firstposition wherein the at least one locking finger is configured to lockthe generator to a housing of the surgical instrument, to a secondposition wherein the at least one locking finger is configured allow thegenerator to be disengaged from the housing.
 32. A locking mechanismaccording to claim 30, wherein the at least one locking finger includesa claw portion configured to facilitate engagement between the at leastone locking finger and the at least one aperture of the generator.
 33. Alocking mechanism according to claim 30, further comprising a guidefinger configured to engage a guide aperture of the generator.
 34. Alocking mechanism according to claim 33, wherein the guide finger isfixed from movement with respect to the body portion, and wherein the atleast one locking finger is movable with respect to the body portion.35. A locking mechanism according to claim 30, wherein the at least onelocking finger is further defined by at least two locking fingers, eachlocking finger of the least two locking fingers being configured toreleasably couple a corresponding at least one aperture defined withinthe generator.
 36. A locking mechanism according to claim 30, whereinthe at least one locking finger is further defined by at least twolocking fingers and wherein the body portion includes two sidewalls, andwherein each locking finger of the at least two locking fingers ispivotally connected to one sidewall.
 37. A locking mechanism accordingto claim 32, wherein the at least one locking finger is further definedby at least two locking fingers and wherein each locking finger of theat least two locking fingers includes an engagement member disposed in agenerally perpendicular orientation with respect to the respective clawportion.